Southern Zambia Travel Guide

If you've been to Africa but haven't visited Victoria Falls then you should. The falls are visible from two countries: Zambia and Zimbabwe. A bridge connects the two and it is possible to cross from one to the other to see the falls from both sides but take stock of the visa situation first.

In Zambia admission costs $20 and the site is easily accesible by blue minibus from Livingstone (bus park just down the road from Shop Rite supermarket).

Security on site is good and visible, though not so much as to intrude, and so you can pretty much wonder as you wish and not keep looking over you shoulder.

Wading/padlling is possible at the top of the falls and there even some islands you can cross to (depending on recent rainfall, of course). A security man on site will direct you.

The Boiling Pot is a great spot for a picnic and a rest. Its virtually at the foot of the falls in a chasm which makes for a lot of roar and amazing sights including adrenalin junkies bungee jumping from the bridge (no doubt you'll be approached at some stage by a tout offering you the same priviledge for a fee).

You reach the pool through a small area of rainforest which is quite picturesque. The way is well-marked and passes over several streams.

You can pick up gifts and local handicrafts - some of them actually quite good - from the stalls at the entrance to the park. Refreshments are also available though, if you're using public transport, I recommend grabbing a cold beer from one of the vendors at the bus park which is about 10 minutes away on the other side of the road, and drinking it in local company under the shade of the acacias.

Border Crossing from Botswana to Zambia with the Kazungula Ferry.
Some information for the process of crossing this border:
- the friendly people who are awaiting you in front of the ferry are touts, only the people who are ON the ferry are from the ferry company.
- the ferry costs 160 ZAR or the same in Pula or Dollar for one car
- on the ferry is a sign that explains you the process of the formalities on the zambian side. You don't need any help!
- the visa for germans (and almost any other country) is 50 US$ and has to be paid in US$!
- a so called carbon tax is between 50.000 and 150.000 Zambian Kwacha, depending on your car and has to be paid in Kwacha!
- the road fee is 20 US$ and hast be paid in US$!
- a third party insurance is approx. 375.000 Kwacha (at my date of entry) and hast to pe paid in Kwacha. The offices are behind the border barrier.
- there's another fee of 20.000 Kwacha at the police and has to be paid in Kwacha
- there is a bureau of change behind the border barrier that closes at 4 pm! Try to cross the border well before there closing time, to exchange all these different currencies. Or get everything in advance in Kasane at the "mall" for example.
- A typical border crossing will need approx. 2 hours and will cost you for 2 persons with a car approx. 220 US$!

This is such a beautiful plasce to visit and there are so many things to do!!! This is where one of the best white water rafting can be done, going between the months of late September and Early december is the best time because the water level is low and the rapids are a lot funner. There are also an abundance of other adventure activities to do such as gorge swings, helicopter rides up the Zambezi River and down to the falls as well as cruises on the river where you can watch the sun set with the african wildlife surrounding you (watch out for the croc's!!).  There is a range of accommodation to suit every need. Whether you want 5 star luxury, or a family fun resort (both found right on the river and you can get free access to the Victoria Falls because you have to pay to see it now!!). Or if you want something more native there are great lodge style accommodation where you sleep in a hut style room, but dont worry they come with bathrooms and beds!! Well most of them. When visiting Africa it is always important to be wary of the crime and possible dangers, but i havn't experienced any problems in Livingston. If you just ask hotel staff and stick with tour guides, everything should be A OK :-)